06-21-1999 Planning Commission Minutes

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ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday,June 21, 1999 • (#3) #2496 PATRICK AND JEANNE O'FLANAGAN, 3895 NORTH SHORE DRIVE,VARIANCES. 6:33 p.m. -6:48 p.m.—(cont.) Hawn inquired whether there were any fire code issues that exist with location of the garage near the residence. Gaffron stated that if the structure was located within five feet of the residence, a fire wall would need to be constructed. Gaffron remarked the bigger issue for the Planning Commission to consider is the access to the rear of the property. O'Flanagan stated a fire hydrant is located in front of his residence and that there is ample room on the neighboring property for emergency vehicle access. Hawn commented that a small lot does not constitute a hardship under the City's ordinances. O'Flanagan stated that the lot is very narrow and there is no other possible location for the garage. Lindquist stated he also has concerns regarding the side yard setback. There were no public comments. Gaffron inquired how high above grade the deck to the rear of the property would be constructed. O'Flanagan replied the deck would be three to four feet above grade. Gaffron inquired whether a railing would be constructed around the deck. • O'Flanagan stated a railing would be constructed around the deck. Smith noted that the improvements would be within the total structural coverage allowed on this lot, but suggested that the Planning Commission look at the side yard setback issue more closely. Hawn commented she does not see a hardship other than the fact that the lot is small. Lindquist inquired whether the garage could be located closer to the street. Gaffron stated there would need to be a 30 foot setback from the street. Stoddard commented he does not have a problem with this application. Smith commented that this lot is not currently serviced by a garage. Smith inquired whether any members of the Planning Commission had concerns regarding the proposed decks. Lindquist stated he in his view he does not have a problem with the decks. Smith inquired whether the Planning Commission was approving this application based on the small lot size. Stoddard commented that that is a bigger issue than what is before the Planning Commission tonight. Hawn stated that the Planning Commission is routinely asked to approve variances for small lots and that this issue should perhaps be addressed. Smith noted that the total structural coverage is under the allowable limits and that the Applicant • is not able to place the garage in a different location. 2